Proud to be an Ally!
Laura Myers, Ally
Executive Director, Office for Institutional Equity
It is important to be out as an ally because silence, in the company of intolerance, hate, and bigotry, is too often interpreted as agreement. I am a proud ally and will speak out in support of all who seek equality.
My children are growing up in a generation that is definitely more open to less rigid, less stereotyped gender roles.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud that they see past the labels.
Growing up as a middle-class, white, heterosexual girl, I enjoy the privilege of not having to "come out". Imagine a world where no child has to face the pain of wondering "will my family still love me if I'm gay?"
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
You have allies! We support your right to live with acceptance and love with celebration!
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Marriage equality for all does not threaten my 23 year heterosexual marriage.
Dan Baker, Ally
Sophomore, Theatre Production & Playwriting
Student Organization of Undergraduate Playwrights, SafeZone and Oxfam
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
To be an ally is the best way to demonstrate that members of the LGBT community are not alone, and that others support them.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud of my faith in the human potential.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT AS AN ALLY?:
Some people make the mistake of assuming all allies are LGBT themselves, and miss that the community extends to people of all different walks of life.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Find someone you trust or love, and let them know the truth. Remember that in spite of what societal pressure may lead you to believe, there is nothing wrong with being who you are.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
LGBT issues are human rights issues. Just because you don't personally identify as LGBT, an injustice will affect you and your environment. Help people when you can.
Jared Henderson, Ally
Junior, Philosophy
Senate for the Honors Tutorial College and Honors Community Council member
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT AS A ALLY?:
Being an ally is the least someone can do if they are committed to love, peace, and justice.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud of being ally, because I feel like I am looking for the best in people and I am constantly finding it.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
As an ally, I did not have to come out. Of course, this fact proves that hetero-normativity affects everyone.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
There are people who will always love you unconditionally; sexual orientation will never be a factor in their love.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Non-LGBT people need to realize that the LGBT community and their “agenda” is centered on inclusion.
Susanne B. Dietzel, Ally
Director, Ohio University Women's Center
I am the Director of the Women's Center and work closely with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center on programs and other initiatives.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
I have always been an ally and can't imagine not being out as one. It is part of my feminist politics, my commitment to diversity, my role as an institutional change agent and just who I am as a person.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud to stand in solidarity with my LGBT brothers and sisters, to raise awareness where needed and to make sure that all voices are heard on our campus.
As a white heterosexual woman I have many privileges, I want to use some of them to advocate for others who don't have them.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Non-LGBT people need to use their privilege strategically to empower others.
